A BRAVE teenager who died after being swept out to sea was trying to save his brothers.

Quinlan Pringle was on holiday with his family in Boulogne in France when the tragedy happened.

Quinlan, 13, from Colchester, was with his brothers, aged 11 and nine, on the packed beach. The two younger boys were swept from the water’s edge as they played there.

Quinlan, who had gone to hurry them back, was trying to save them when he was also swept away.

One of the youngsters managed to swim back fully clothed to the shore to get help for his brothers.

One brother was saved but rescuers could not find Quinlan. His clothed body was found a week later.

Quinlan went to Philip Morant School and College in Colchester and was due to begin Year 9.

Principal Catherine Hutley, paid tribute to the popular student and said the school would offer comfort and counsel to any students who needed it.

She said: “Quinlan was an aspirational and hard working young man with a cheeky, endearing side to him which we all loved.

“He will be sorely missed by the school community and our thoughts are with his family." 

She added: “We are working closely with Essex County Council to ensure students, their families and our staff have all the support they need at this devastating time.”

Quinlan’s form tutor Scott Edmonds added: “Quinlan was a quiet, sensitive and considerate boy with a delightfully playful, yet unobvious, sense of humour.

“He was, and will continue to be, loved within the form and we will miss him hugely while trying to treasure many wonderful memories at this sad time.”

Students and their families were informed about Quinlan’s death on Friday at the start of the school term.

In a letter, Ms Hutley said: “It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the tragic and unexpected death of Quinlan Pringle, one of our pupils who would have been moving into year nine for the coming academic year.

"The school community is deeply saddened by this news and we are working closely with Essex County Council to ensure that staff, students and their families have the best possible professional support throughout this difficult time. If you feel that your child needs extra support, please let us know.

"Further information about the support we will be providing to our students is attached.”

"Our thoughts are with the family and the whole school community sends them our most sincere sympathy and support.

“His family appreciates the wishes, messages and support they have received, as they grieve privately at this time.”